Return Of The Prodigy
Return of the Prodigy Chapter 169

Katie was in her office, taking care of the paperwork.

Hartley Group was moving forward at full speed. The construction of the resort had started, and Katie had given orders to begin the development of Plot No. 3 as well. Rivers Bank had approved their loan, and the money was in the company's account, ready for use.

After she finished her paperwork, Katie rubbed her sore neck and stretched.

She wore a tight-fitting woolen sweater today, and her curvaceous figure was highlighted when she stretched herself.

It was a good thing that Adam was not here, or he would have spent the whole day ogling at her.

"I hope I can start helping him soon..." muttered Katie to herself, her expression a mix of worry and determination.

After spending some time with Adam, she discovered that he was hiding a lot of secrets.

There were so many questions on her mind at this moment.

'Why was Adam chased down six years ago?'

'Priscilla Rain was looking for a survivor of the Drake family, which is very likely to be Adam, yet he denied it had anything to do with him. Why?'

'Adam has helped me again and again, but who is his backer? How could he do the things he did?'

His sister and his family were a complete mystery to her.

Nevertheless, since Adam did not want to discuss this matter, Katie decided not to ask. She knew that Adam was carrying a heavy burden and was trying his best not to involve her or Annie.

After these recent events, she realized that she was too weak. In her current state, she was only a burden for Adam.

a result, Katie made up her mind. Regardless of the hardships ahead, she was committed to expanding Hartley Group and growing stronger so that she could stand shoulder to shoulder with Adam in the future instead of always hiding behind his back. "Let's go!" After sorting out her thoughts, Katie took a deep breath and returned to her work.

At this moment, Jenny knocked on the door and walked in. "Katie, there's someone who wants to meet you. They said it was Ryan Chandler who sent them here."

Katie was stunned. Ryan Chandler? Why would he send someone here?

"Let them in."

Soon after, a man in his forties entered her office. He was surprised by Katie's beauty but was quick to recompose. He then said respectfully, "Ms. Hartley, Mr. Chandler wanted to tell you that you must participate in the next meeting of the Chamber of Commerce." Katie frowned. "What happened? Why is there another meeting this soon?"

"It wasn't Mr. Chandler who convened the meeting this time. Someone came down from the capital and called for this emergency meeting. The goal is to elect a new President for Lisle's Chamber of Commerce and kick out a few companies that are not deemed qualified," the man explained.

Katie's frown deepened. "Why wasn't I notified?"

The man said, embarrassed, "This person that came from the capital mentioned the companies that were to participate in the meeting by name, and they didn't make any mention of Hartley Group. That's why Mr. Chandler told me to come here in secret and notify you."

Did they send someone to trouble Hartley Group?

Katie organized her thoughts and asked, "Is this person from the capital related to the Camdens?"

The man shook his head. "I can't be sure of that as I don't have the qualifications to participate in the meeting. Regardless, they must be someone important. Even Mr. Chandler has to be careful in front of them." Katie nodded. "I understand. Where will the meeting be held?"

"Conference Center."

"I see, thanks."

After thanking the man, Katie put down the files in her hand and grabbed her purse and jacket, heading outside.

Before leaving her office, she ordered, "Jenny, grab Hartley Group's application and come with me."

Jenny nodded and grabbed the application before heading downstairs with Katie.

The two got into a car and headed to Conference Center.

The Chamber of Commerce was holding the meeting on the third floor. The duo followed the directions and arrived at the meeting room, knocking on the door. "Come in!" Ryan Chandler's voice came from inside the room.

Katie entered the spacious room and saw that the chairmen of the other companies were already in their seats. However, a few of her acquaintances, such as Robert Byron and Bruce Holiday, were missing. All the people that were missing were related to Hartley Group in one way or the other.

Ryan wore a helpless expression as he sat in one of the seats. At this moment, someone Katie knew sat in the seat that was supposed to belong to Ryan Chandler. This person was none other than Mr. Ortiz. When the Camdens tried to bankrupt Hartley Group before, Mr. Ortiz had come to her with an offer to buy the company for a mere 3 million dollars.

Seeing Mr. Ortiz here, Katie was now sure that the Camdens were involved in this matter. Since they had failed to seize control of Hartley Group before, they changed tactics and decided to use a new method to isolate the company. Seeing Katie, Ryan heaved a sigh of relief. He stood up and said, "Ms. Hartley, you're finally here. Please have a seat."

Mr. Ortiz's complexion changed. He shouted, "Who let her come here? As far as I know, Hartley Group isn't part of the Chamber of Commerce. Get her out of here!" Ryan hurried to say, "Mr. Ortiz, Ms. Hartley applied to join the Chamber of Commerce before, and I've already approved her application. They're also a member." Mr. Ortiz looked at Ryan coldly. "Didn't you resign? You can't approve any application."

Ryan's face flushed, and he said, embarrassed, "Ye-Yes, you're right."

Katie interjected, "Mr. Ortiz, I remember that you work for the Camdens, and you don't have any company that operates in Lisle, so why are you here?"

Mr. Ortiz smiled coldly. "You're making a lot of assumptions, aren't you? Who said that I don't have a company in Lisle? In fact, I'm one of the five council members!" Katie was dumbfounded.

Ryan explained with a helpless expression, "Mr. Ortiz bought Woodroad Group recently, so he's one of the five council members of Lisle's Chamber of Commerce."

Katie was shocked. Did the Camdens buy Woodroad Group just to deal with me? That's a lot of money spent!

Mr. Ortiz said with a sneer, "Katie Hartley, if you're hoping to join the Chamber of Commerce, you better let go of those hopes. Soon, not a single company in Lisle will be willing to do business with you."

Katie clapped back, "You're just one of the five council members. You aren't even the president. You don't have the power to sanction our company."

Mr. Ortiz laughed aloud. "Oh, don't worry. I'll be the President of the Chamber of Commerce very soon.

"Since you're here, I guess you can witness the process. Gentlemen, it's time to cast the vote. All those that are in favor of me becoming the next President of the Chamber of Commerce, raise your hands!"

In the next moment, most of the gentlemen seated in the room raised their hands, and some even took the opportunity to ridicule Katie.

"Katie Hartley, it seems you don't understand your situation."

"You don't stand a chance against the Camdens regardless of what you do."

"Your Hartley Group is nothing but an insect before the Camdens. This isn't even a fight; it's slaughter!"

"The Hamiltons said that they would support your company, but where are they now?"

Katie's expression turned cold.

At this moment, a woman's voice came from outside the room.

"Who said something about the Hamiltons?"